Ski harness



July 19, 1966 R. N. ROLEY 3,261,041

SKI HARNESS Filed June 26, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.

July 19, 1966 RQLEY 3,261,041

SKI HARNESS Filed June 26, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'l i \m United States Patent 3,261,041 SKI HARNESS Robert Neel Roley, 414 Rucker Place, Alexandria, Va. Filed June 26, 1964, Ser. No. 378,470 13 Claims. (Cl. 9310) This invention relates generally to an improved binder structure for skis and more particularly to an improved apparatus for firmly and fixedly securing such binder structure in a selected position of adjustment relative to a base support member such as the ski.

It has long been desired to provide a ski harness having binder structure which is adjustably mounted so as to snugly engage various sizes of users feet with means for releasably securing and maintaining the binder structure in any one of a wind range of variably selectable desired adjusted positions which are located longitudinally relative to the ski.

Ski harnesses having adjustably mounted binder structure presently available are generally somewhat complicated in operation and necessitate the employment of a plurality of different elements, various types of interlocking slots, grooves or projections and other types of moving parts to immovably secure the binder structure, as desired, in a longitudinal selected adjusted position relative to a ski.

Some of the known type of ski harness, now available, employ some type of unique cooperation between relatively movable mechanism which are not only complicated in operation but are also costly to manufacture and therefore expensive to purchase.

In any event, most of the heretofore known ski harnesses employ movably mounted adjustable binder structure which requires some type of relatively complicated, expensive structure having a plurality of separate parts which must cooperate one with the other in order to accomplish the desired securement of the binder structure in the selected adjusted position relative to the ski being used and the foot of the user.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention to provide a harness having adjustable movably mounted binder structure with improved apparatus for releasably securing and maintaining the binder structure in a desired position relative to a base support member.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a harness having adjustable, movably mounted binder structure which is quickly and easily manually adjustable and securable in a desired adjusted position without requiring the aid of any tools.

It is also another object of this invention to provide a ski having adjustable binder structure including a resiliently flexible plate member which is readily and quickly engageable with stationary abutment surfaces by application of a pressure force that will deflect the plate intermediate the end portions thereof.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a ski with quickly and manually adjustable binder structure including a resiliently flexible plate member having portions which frictionally bind between fixed and opposed abutment surfaces that are offset relative to each other through a flexure of the plate member created by a manual pressure force that is applied intermediate the end portions thereof.

It is a further object of this invention to provide improved apparatus for releasably securing and maintaining adjustably mounted binder structure of a ski harness in a selected desired readily adjusted position relative to a ski by effectively frictionally securing opposed end portions of the binder structure to the ski.

It is also a further object of this invention to provide improved apparatus for securing adjustably movably mounted binder structure of a ski harness in a selected desired 3,261,041 Patented July 19, lgfifi adjusted position by deflection thereof which, in efiect, wedges and binds opposed end portions thereof to rigidly secure same against movement by application of a relatively small deflection force.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved apparatus for securing'and maintaining resiliently flexible and adjustably movably mounted binder structure of a ski harness in a selected desired adjustable position relative to a ski wherein the apparatus normally disposes the binder structure in a position that is inclined relative to a base support member and which by flexure effectively frictionally wedges the opposed end portions of the binder structure against the base support member to retain the binder structure in the selected desired position and prevent the movement thereof from such position.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a mechanically simple and improved apparatus for fixedly securing and maintaining a movably mounted binder structure of a ski harness in a selected desired adjustable position wherein such apparatus is economical to manufacture, simple and reliable in operation, durable in use and which possesses commercial success having consumer appeal.

In order to overcome the disadvantages and objections of known types of ski harnesses having adjustably mounted binder structure and in order to accomplish the desired objects and results as stated above, the improved apparatus of this invention comprises a plurality of upstanding spacer-guide devices which normally dispose and maintain an elongate bodily resilient and flexible movably mounted plate-like element in a position which is longitudinally inclined relative to a base support member, i.e., a base plate or a ski, with the spacer-guide devices mov ably supporting and guiding the elongate plate-like element for movement longitudinally of the base support member between a plurality of adjustably selected desired positions. In the normal longitudinally inclined position and during the adjustable movement of the elongate platelike element one end portion of the elongate plate-like element is in direct engagement with the base support member and the other end portion of the elongate platelike element is maintained and supported in spaced relationship to the base support member by the spacer-guide devices with the intermediate portion of the elongate plate-like element also being spaced from the base support member. A vamp or counter member having a configuration which conforms to rear portion of the users foot is secured to the elongate plate-like element. The spacer-guide devices may take the form of roller means each having an enlarged or thickened spacer portion for spacing a part of the elongate plate-like element from the base support member, and an intermediate neckeddown, grooved or channeled portion which receives a side edge portion of the elongate plate together with an enlarged abutment portion for maintaining the side edge portion of the elongated plate in the channeled or grooved portion of the roller means with the intermediate grooved, channeled or recessed portion of the roller means which is disposed intermediate the spacer and abutment portions thereof. The spacer, grooved and abutment portions of the roller means are so proportioned that when released for longitudinal adjustment one end portion of the elongate plate-like element may easily and un-restrictedly pass through the intermediate recessed or grooved portion thereof to position the one end portion of the elongate plate-like element in spaced relationship to the base support member. The elongate plate-like element is then disposed in an inclined longitudinal position relative to the base support and easily and readily movable between the desired selected positions with the other end portion of the elongate plate-like element being in direct sliding engagement with the base support member. Suitable securing structure, which requires the use of only slight manual effort to operate, is provided on the base support member for engagement with the intermediate portion of the elongate plate-like element. The securing structure is effective to engage the intermediate portion of the elongate plate-like element and deflect same toward the base support member to secure the elongate plate-like element against movement with one of the end portions of the elongate plate-like element being bindingly wedged between the spaced apart spacer and abutment portions of each of the roller means and the other end portion thereof being wedged against the base support member.

Other objects, advantages and important features of the invention will be apparent from a study of the specification following, taken with the drawing, which together describe, disclose and illustrate certain embodiments of the invention and what is now considered and believed to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Still other embodiments may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the subjoined claims.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a fragmentary portion of a ski having a ski harness provided with adjustably movably mounted binder structure together with an improved apparatus for securing and maintaining the binder structure in a desired selected adjusted position relative to the ski;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the portion of the ski and ski harness illustrated in FIG- URE 1 of the drawing showing the improved apparatus in the securing position for maintaining the binder structure in a desired selected adjusted position;

FIGURE 3 is a partial side elevational view similar to FIGURE 2 of the drawing but illustrating the improved apparatus in a released position for readily and easily enabling the binder structure to be adjustably moved;

FIGURE 4 is a lateral partial sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 2 of the drawing looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 5 is a lateral partial sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 3 of the drawing looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of a portion of a ski illustrating a modification of the apparatus for securing and maintaining the ski binder structure in a desired selected adjusted position;

FIGURE 7 is a plan View of one modification of a ski binder plate-like member used in the apparatus as illustrated in FIGURES l-6, and

FIGURES 8 and 9 are plan views of other modified forms of ski binder plate-like members adapted for use in the apparatus of FIGURES 1-6.

Attention is now directed to the drawing wherein there is illustrated a ski harness 10 which may comprise a vamp member 12 and a heel or counter member 14 formed of any suitable flexible material and having a configuration to comfortably and conveniently conform to the shape of a users foot, not illustrated.

The ski harness 10 is shown as being mounted on a primary or base support member 16, such as a water ski for example, only a portion of which is illustrated. However, it is to be understood that the ski harness 10 may be mounted on other types of base support members 16 or skis, such as a base plate which is illustrated, shown, described and disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,900,648 or the like, as well as winter skis.

In the ski harness 10, as illustrated, the vamp member 12 is suitably secured to the primary or base support member 16, as by means of plates 18. The heel or counter member 14, is suitably secured by a U-shaped clamping plate 19 on the forward end of a preferably metallic,

resiliently flexible elongated plate-like member 20 which is mounted for selective adjustable positioning on the base support member 16 by means 22-24, to be later described in greater detail.

As illustrated in the drawing, the counter member 14 defines that part of the binder structure which is adjustably movably mounted relative to the support member 16 for sliding movement at will between a plurality of selected positions in a manner which enables the ski harness 10 to snuggly engage various sizes of users feet and it is to be understood that while the invention is shown, described, disclosed and illustrated as a ski harness 10 wherein the counter member 14 is the adjustable movably mounted binder structure that the vamp member 12 may be adjustably mounted by placing same on structure similar to the plate-like element 20 and if desired by securing the counter member 14 directly to the primary or hose support member 16.

In the embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawing, the flexible and resilient elongate structure or plate-like member 20 is of substantially Y-shape in plan view, note also FIGURE 7, having at one end thereof a generally longitudinally rearwardly extending tail portion 26, and at the opposite or forward end, generally longitudinally forwardly extending laterally spaced apart side yoke or fork portions 28, 28 that defines a cut-out portion 30 with each of the portions 28, 28 being provided with generally longitudinally extending side edge portion 32 laterally spaced from each other which engage the means 24 in a manner to be described and disclosed in greater detail hereinafter.

As is apparent from the showing in FIGURE 1, the portion of the plate-like structure 20, underlying the counter or heel member 14, is cut away to form a U- shaped opening 30 generally conforming to the shape and size of the open inner portion of the counter member 14.

The means 24, in the embodiment disclosed comprises at least a pair of laterally aligned and generally spacedapart substantially cylindrical spool-like spaceraguide devices which extend upwardy from the top surface of the primary or base support member 16. Each of the spoollike spacer-guide devices 24 is mounted between washers or bearing members as on the base support member 16 and is secured thereto by suitable securing means 38, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, or the like, which extends down through an axial bore 40 in each of the respective devices 24. While the securing means 38 may, if desired, secure the spacer-guide devices 24 fixedly against axial rotation, it is preferred, however, that each of the devices 24 be freely rotatably about the respective vertical axis for a reason to be hereinafter explained.

Each of the generally cylindrical, spool-like, spacerguide devices 24 is provided intermediate the longitudinal or vertical length thereof with a relatively deep radially inwardly projecting annular horizontally disposed channel or recess 42 of generally rectangular section having lower and upper side walls 44 and 46, respectively, and an inner longitudinal or vertically extending guide wall 48. The annular channel or recess 42 provides the device 24 with a lower flange-like spacing abutment portion 50 and a similar upper flange-like portion 52 which may be of any suitable longitudinal or vertical thickness.

Each of the pair of transversely aligned spacer-guide devices 24 is mounted on the base support member 16 and positioned thereon to slidably and guidingly receive the adjacent side edge portion 32 of the yoke arms portion 28 of the plate-like member 20 within the facing portion of the annular recess 42 that is disposed adjacent thereto. The vertical height or width W of the recesses 42 of the spacer-guide devices 24 is, as illustrated in FIG- URE 4, materially greater than the thickness T of the yoke arms portion 28 of the movably mounted plate-like member 20 of the ski counter member 14. Noting FIG- URES 2 to 5, this greater recess width provides a clearance that not only provides for free and easy sliding movement of the structure 20 therethrough but also enables any undesirable material, such as sand, dirt, weeds, etc. to escape therefrom to avoid fouling, hindering or otherwise hampering the free movement of the plate-like structure 20 when being adjusted relative to the base support member 16. As previously indicated, and as clearly shown in FIGURES 3 and 5, the spacer-guide devices 24 normally maintains the forward portion of the movable plate-like structure 20, and the ski counter member 14 which is secured thereon, vertically or upwardly spaced from the support structure 16 since the recesses or channels 42 of the spacer-guide devices 24, in which the side edge portions 32 ofthe member 20 are supporting-1y engaged are themselves likewise vertically or upwardly spaced from the support structure 16 by the vertical height or longitudinal thickness of the lower flange-like spacer abutment portions 50 of the devices 24.

The means 22, previously referred to, comprises a knurled or otherwise roughened clamping nut as clearly indicated in FIGURES 1-3, which is threadly mounted on a stud or bolt 58 secured to the base support 16 and extends upwardly through a generally longitudinally extending elongated slot 60 formed in the tail portion 26 of the adjustable plate-like member 20 and, preferably, laterally centrally of the width thereof. Thrust and lock washers 62 are preferably interposed between the knurled clamping member 22 and an elongate bearing plate-like member 64 which extends generally laterally or transversely across the upper portion of the movable platelike member 20 at a location thereon which is immediately adjacent and intermediate the clamping 22 and the stud 58 in order to distribute substantially equally across the structure 20 the forces which are created thereagainst by the clamping member 22 to provide for maximum frictional locking at minimum manual effort while facilitating the loosening of the latter when desired.

The portion of the base support member 16 underlying the area surrounding the stud 58 may, if desired, be provided with lateral or otherwise extending relatively closely spaced substantially parallel grooves 66 of any desired cross-section to enable dirt, sand, or other debris to escape from beneath the plate-like member 20 when it is deflected downwardly into contact with the base support member 16 by the nut 22, as in the position shown in FIGURE 2.

The manner in which the ski binder structure of FIG- URES 15 is adjusted for a different position is as follows:

It will be assumed that the component parts of the binder structure are initially positioned as illustrated in FIGURE 2. a

The knurled or otherwise roughened nut 22 is first manually rotated to unscrew or loosen same on the stud 58. With the loosening of the nut 22 and the withdrawal of the downward pressure against the plate-like structure 20 the inherent resiliency of the latter causes the structure 20 to unflex and return to the initial substantially planar or flat condition, as depicted in FIGURE 3. As the structure 20 thus becomes flattened, the upper surface of the lateral edge portion 32 thereof disengages from the adjacent part of the upper surface 46 of the recess 42 of each spacer-guide devices 24 lying forwardly of the mounting screw 38 while the downward pressure of the edge portion 32 overlying the lower surface 44 rearwardly of screw 38 is reduced to a valve corresponding to the weight of the forward portion of the structure 20, a negligible amount. At the same time, the downward pressure of the tail end portion 26 of the structure 20 correspondingly reduces to a value of substantially zero. Under this condition the plate-like structure 20, with the heel counter member 14 mounted thereon, is then free for slicing movement longitudinally of the base support member 16 for a desired selective adjustment to the foot of the user.

After the counter member 14 has been slidably moved to a desired selected position of adjustment by the user, the knurled nut 22 is then manually screwed downwardly on the stud 58 into thrusting bearing engagement against the plate member 20 thereby flexing the latter until the bottom surface thereof in the area surrounding the stud 58 and extending to the end of the tail portion 26 thereof is forced into tight frictional contact engagement with the upper surface of the base support member 16, as illustrated in FIGURE 2. At the same time, the downward arcuate fiexure that takes place in plate-like structure 20 causes the edge portions 32 thereof to frictionally bind or wedge downwardly against the rearward portion of the lower side surfaces 44 of the recesses 42 of the spacerguide devices 24 and, similarly, to frictionally bind or wedge upwardly against the forward part of the upper side surfaces 46 of the spacer-guide recesses 42 as also illustrated in FIGURE 2. The frictional binding or wedging action thus takes place against the lower and upper side surfaces 44 and 46, respectively, of the spacerguide recesses 42, together with the frictional binding engagement that occurs between the tail end portion 26 of the structure 20 and the upper surface of the support structure 16, constitutes an extremely effective holding or binding action against any longitudinal movement of the plate-like structure 20 on the base support member 16 taking place while the parts are positioned as illustrated in FIGURE 2.

It has been found, moreover, that the manual force that is required to rotate clamping nut 22 and flex the structure 20 into the locking, binding or wedging position illustrated in FIGURE 2 is relatively minimal that ordinarily no tool or other mechanical aid is required to either tighten or loosen the clamping nut 22.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG- URE 6 of the drawing, the relative positions of the clamping nut and guide-abutment devices is reversed in relation to that of the above-described embodiment illustrated in FIGURES l to 3. In FIGURE 6, the resiliently flexible plate-like structure 120, the equivalent of the structure 20 employed in the embodiment of FIGURES l-3, correspondingly has the heel or counter member 14 rigidly mounted on the forward end which is intended to be disposed adjacent the vamp member 12 as in FIGURE 1. However, the pair of transversely aligned spacer-guide devices 124 are positioned adjacent to and slidably receive each of the side edge portions of the tail or rear portion 126 of the structure 120, the reverse'of the arrangement in FIGURES 1-3. In order to maintain substantially the same spacial relation between the clamping means 122, 158 and the spacer-guide devices 124, as between the stud 58 and the spacer-guide devices 24 in the FIGURES l-3 embodiment, the tail portion 126 of the plate-like structure is provided with a greater length, as is apparent in FIGURE 6.

The arrangement depicted in FIGURE 6 functions in a manner very similar to that of the arrangement dis- Closed in FIGURES l3. When the clamping nut 122 is manually screwed downwardly or tightened on the stud 158 to deflect the normally planar or fiat plate-like structure 120 into flexed firm frictional contact with the base support member 16, it causes offset portions of each of the side edge portions of the tail member 126 to frictionally wedge or bind against the adjacent parts of the oppositely offset lower and upper side portions 144 and 146, respectively, of the annular recess or channel 142 of each of the spacer-guide devices 124 in a manner directly comparable to that shown in FIGURE 2 of the previously described embodiment.

Hence, the frictional wedging, binding or locking action in maintaining the ski counter member 14 in an adjustably desired position under minimal manual effort is substantially the same in both forms of the invention.

Likewise in FIGURE 6, the slight manual effort required to release the clamping nut 122 corresponds in degree to that involved in the first-described embodiment thereby providing for relative ease and rapidity in effect- 7 ing a desired adjustment of the ski counter member in both embodiments of the invention.

In either form of the invention as described, the plate like supporting and positioning structure 20 or 12% may be yoke-shaped as described and preferred, or it may be given other shapes if desired.

FIGURE 7, for example, illustrates in plan a shape as applicable to the embodiment of FIGURES l3 which is substantially Y-shaped in construction as hereinabove described.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 7, it is necessary that the structure 2%! be recessed and provided with the cut-out portion 36 since that part of the structure 20 is upwardly spaced from the base support 16.

However, in the modification of the invention as illustrated in FIGURE 6, the structure 12G may be solid so that the users heel may rest directly on top of the structure 126 and thus add to the pressure forces which create the wedging action. In conjunction with the modification of the invention as shown in FIGURE 6, there is illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9 certain embodiments of the configuration which the structure 120 may take. FIG- URE 8 illustrates a plate-like structure 229 which is generally rectangular in outline with the longitudinal slot 260, comparable to the slot 60 of FIGURE 1 for receiving therethrough the stud 158 for the clamping nut 122 which would be located therein. The forward end of the member 220 forms a direct support for the users foot as well as for the ski counter.

The construction in FIGURE 9 is generally similar to the construction in FIGURE 8 except that along both of the longitudinally extending sides of the plate-like member 320 there is provided corresponding angularsided cut-out portions 380 to impart greater flexibility thereto when flexed by the clamping nut 122 of the stud 158 that would extend through the centered longitudinally extending slot 360.

From the above description of the improved apparatus for securing and maintaining the movably mounted binder stmcture of the ski harness, it is believed that such improved apparatus provides that the movably mounted binder structure will be effectively wedged at the longitudinally spaced end portions thereof in a manner that will assure that the movably mounted binder structure will be maintained in the desired selected adjusted position. It is believed that the essential structure of the improved apparatus requires that the binder structure, which is' adjustably movably mounted, should normally be disposed in a position which is inclined relative to the primary support member 16.

It is to be understood, however, that while the counter member 14 has been described and disclosed as the binder structure which is adjustably movably mounted, the vamp member 12 could also be provided with structure wherein the vamp member would be mounted on a plate-like structure wherein there would be a portion similar to that of the tail portion 26 of the structure 20 which would extend generally forwardly rather than rearwardly relative to the primary or base support member 16.

Such structure would then be disposed in a position inclined to the primary or base support member 16 with the rear end portion thereof upwardly spaced from the primary or base support member 16 by the spacer-guide means 24 and provided with a cut-out portion similar to the forward end portion thereof in direct sliding contact with the primary or base support member 16 with suitable wedge-like securing or clamping structure provided to engage the intermediate portion of such structure.

While the'invcntion has been described and disclosed in terms of certain embodiments which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiments herein shown, illustrated, described and disclosed and it is to be under- .stood that other such embodiments are intended to be 8 reserved, especially as they fall within the scope of the claims herein subjoined.

I claim as my invention:

1. Apparatus for adjustably mounting binder means of a harness on base support means for movement between a plurality of desired selectable positions, said apparatus comprising:

elongate resiliently flexible structure having said binder means mounted thereon, spacer guide means mounted on said base support means for normally positioning said resiliently flexible structure on said base support means at an angle relative thereto with the elongate structure being movable relative to the spacer-guide means, means to effect flexure of an intermediate portion of said resiliently flexible structure towards the base support means, and I means for wedgingly binding said resiliently flexible structure when said last-mentioned means is actuated to flex said resiliently flexible structure.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said resiliently flexible structure comprises a substantially planar plate-like member,

one end portion of said structure is upwardly spaced from said base support means with the opposite end portion of said structure being disposed in slidable contact with said base support means, and

said means to effect flexure of said structure comprises adjustable pressure means engaging an intermediate portion thereof.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said elongate structure has a substantially longitudinally extending slot disposed intermediate the end portions thereof,

said means to eifect fiexure of said elongate structure comprises threaded means mounted in said base support means and extending through the slot in the elongate structure, and

manually operable means for deflecting an intermediate portion of said elongate structure towards said base support means to wedgingly bind one end portion of said elongate stnucture against said spacer-guide means and the other end portion of said elongate structure against said base support means.

4. Apparatus :as defined in claim 1 wherein said spacer-guide means comprises a plurality of cylindrical spool like devices each having an annular recess,

eack-aispid cylindrical spool-like devices being endwise mounted in transverse spacial relationship relative to each other on said base support means,

said elongate structure having oppositely disposed longitudinal edge portions .slidably and guidingly positioned within the recesses of the adjacent spool-like spacer-guide device and at a level spaced above said base support means,

said edge portions of said elongate structure within said annular recesses of said spool-like spacer-guide devices wedgingly binding against the respective opposite side wall portions of said annular recesses when said means for flexing said elongate structure is actuated to deflect the said intermediate portion thereof towards said base support means.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said plurality of spacer-guide cylindrical spool-like devices comprise at least a pair mounted in transverse alignment on said base support means, and

said annular recess in each of said devices is disposed substantially parallel to and spaced above the upper surface of said base support means with each of the annular recesses having a width appreciably greater than the thickness of said resiliently flexible elongate structure to enable said elongate structure to be disposed in guidingly sliding relationship therethrough and thus enable the ejection of any foreign matter from within said annular recesses.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim wherein each of said spool-like guide devices comprises means for axial rotation thereof about a respective relatively fixed axis.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said binder means is mounted on the forward end portion of said elongate structure, and with the spacerguide means being positioned laterally adjacent said forward end portion of said structure for slidably engaging side-edge portions of said elongate structure thereof which may be adjacent thereto.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said binder means is mounted on the forward end of said elongate structure, with said spacer-guide means being positioned laterally adjacent the other end portion thereof for slidably engaging side-edge portions of said elongate structure which may be adjacent thereto.

9. Apparatus for adjustably mounting binder structure of a ski harness for movement between a plurality of desired selectable positions relative to a base support, said apparatus comprising,

an elongate substantially planar bodily flexible platelike member,

means fixedly securing the binder structure to said plate-like member, spacer-guide means mounted on said base support for slidably engaging and disposing said plate-like member in an inclined position relative to the base support with one end portion of the plate-like member being generally upwardly spaced from the base support and the other end portion thereof in direct engagement therewith and with the plate-like member being movable relative to the spacer-guide means, and

means for deflecting an intermediate portion of said plate-like member towards the base support to wedgingly bind portions of said one end portion of said plate-like structure against the spacer-guide means and the other end portion of the Plate-like structure against the base support.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said spaced-guide means comprises at least a pair of annular channeled members mounted in transverse alignment on said base support for freely slidably and guidingly engaging an adjacent side edge portion of said plate-like member,

said intermediate portion of said plate-like member having slot means provided therein, and

said means for deflecting said plate-like member comprises means secured in said base support means and extending therefrom through said slot means, with said last recited means defining guide means coacting with said spacer-guide means to maintain said plate-like member in position on said base support during movements thereof between the positions.

11. In combination with a base support member for an adjustable ski binder assembly,

ably positioning and guiding said plate-like member 5 in an inclined position relative to said base support member with one end portion of said plate-like member being spaced from said base support member with the other end portion thereof in contact with said base support member and with the plate-like member being movable relative to the means, and

means for deflecting said plate-like member intermediate the end portions thereof towards said base support member to frictionally and stationarily bind said plate-like member to the base support member when said plate-like member is deflected towards said base support member by said deflecting means.

12. An adjustable ski binder assembly comprising, in

combination,

a base support member,

a normally substantially fiat elongate flexible plate-like member having a foot engaging member mounted thereon,

said plate-like member being mounted on the base support member for movement thereon between a plurality of variably selectable desirable positions,

means mounted on said base support member for slidably engaging and guiding said plate-like member with the plate-like member being movable relative to the means,

said means comprising support and guiding means for maintaining said plate-like member in an inclined position relative to said base support member with one end portion of said plate-like member spaced from said base support member and the other end portion in sliding engagement with said base support member, and

means for deflecting an intermediate portion of said in- .clined plate-like member towards said base support member to deflect portions of said plate-like member into wedgingly binding positioning engagement with said support and guiding means and with said base support member.

13. Apparatus adjustably mounting binder structure of a ski harness for movement between a plurality of desired selectable positions relative to a base support, said apparatus comprising an elongate bodily flexibl plate-like element, securing means for securing the binder structure to the platelike element,

spacer guide means mounted on said base support for disposing the plate-like element in an inclined position relative to the base support with one end portion of the plate-like element being spaced from and the other end portion thereof being in contact with the base support and with the plate-like element being movable relative to the spacer-guide means, and

means for deflecting an intermediate portion of the plate-like element toward the base support to wedge the one end portion of the plate-like element against the spacer guide means and the other end portion of the plate-like element against the base support.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,919,452 1/1960 Kluge 93 10 2,974,330 3/1961 Kluge 93 10 3,088,137 5/1963 Hedlund 93 10 MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

ALFRED E. CORRIGAN, Examiner. 

9. APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTABLY MOUNTING BINDER STRUCTURE OF A SKI HARNESS FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF DESIRED SELECTABLE POSITIONS RELATIVE TO A BASE SUPPORT, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING, AN ELONGATE SUBSTANTIALLY PLANAR BODILY FLEXIBLE PLATELIKE MEMBER, MEANS FIXEDLY SECURING THE BINDER STRUCTURE TO SAID PLATE-LIKE MEMBER, SPACER-GUIDE MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID BASE SUPPORT FOR SLIDABLY ENGAGING AND DISPOSING SAID PLATE-LIKE MEMBER IN AN INCLINED POSITION RELATIVE TO THE BASE SUPPORT WITH ONE END PORTION OF THE PLATE-LIKE MEMBER BEING GENERALLY UPWARDLY SPACED FROM THE BASE SUPPORT AND THE OTHER END PORTION THEREOF IN DIRECT ENGAGEMENT THEREWITH AND WITH THE PLATE-LIKE MEMEBER BEING MOVABLE RELATIVE TO THE SPACER-GUIDE MEANS, AND MEANS FOR DEFLECTING AN INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF SAID PLATE-LIKE MEMBER TOWARDS THE BASE SUPPORT TO WEDGEINGLY BIND PORTIONS OF SAID ONE END PORTION OF SAID PLATE-LIKE STRUCTURE AGAINST THE SPACER-GUIDE MEANS AND THE OTHER END PORTION OF THE PLATE-LIKE MEANS AGAINST THE BASE SUPPORT. 